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#1 Modified Driver- Tommy Wanick III
Tom began his driving career in 1990, at Greenwood Valley in the
Micro Stock division. Also during the 1990 season, Tom got involved
with asphalt modified racing as a crew member for driver, Mike
Uhrin. Together with his dad, they became so intrigued with Asphalt
Modifieds, that they purchased a Troyer race car from Vecchio
Motorsports, in 1991. Modified hot shoe, Tony Hirschman had piloted
the car to much success.
For the 1992 racing season, Tom helped prepare his Dad’s car for
competition at Evergreen Speedway in St. Johns, PA, with family
friend, Chris Ammon as driver.
They would continue to run at Evergreen for the 2003-2004 racing
season. In 1995, Tom would have two cars to prepare, as he and his
Dad would team up with Howard Johnson and run a 2-car team. Trading
wrenches for a helmet, Tom would climb behind the wheel of the #44
Modified, for 1996. As a young driver, Tom would sharpen his driving
skills at both Mahoning Valley and Evergreen Speedway, as a teammate
to Chris Ammon.
In 1997 and 1998, Wanick Motorsports would return to a one car team,
focusing on competition at Flemington Speedway and also Evergreen.
Tom was back turning wrenches and prepping the always immaculate, #1
Modified race car.
The 1999 season would see Tom take the year off to spend with his
newborn daughter, Briana.
He would help his Dad with the car on a limited basis in over the
next few years, focusing on his work as a construction foreman.
The racing bug bit Tom, once again, in 2007. Now as an owner of his
Dad’s pride and joy, Tom would totally rebuild the older Troyer
Modified for competition at Mountain Speedway (formerly Evergreen
Speedway). Tom would run several shows for 2007, and after
installing a newer Troyer body and paint scheme for 2008, would
compete for half the season…making the feature in all shows entered.
At the end of 2008’s
racing season, Tom would sell the car that had been part of the
family for almost 20 years. But, it wouldn’t be long before Tom
decided it was time to upgrade and get back to the sport he loved.
Purchasing the former Wes Swartout Troyer race car, Tom finished the
car in time for the 2009 Laurel Mall race car show. The paint scheme
would prove to be a real head turner and eye catcher. With daughter
Emily now on the way, Tom would take most of the season off to
concentrate on his family.
Tom is looking forward to the 2010-racing season, as the sleek #1
Modified is ready, once again, for several race car shows. But more
importantly, Tom is anxious to get back behind the wheel, competing
in the sport he loves.
Running a limited schedule in 2010, Tom piloted his own #1w racecar
to a 9th place finish in the Sundance Vacations Speedway
point standings. The hard working Wanick Motorsports team worked
exceptionally well together, with a primary focus on preparation of
the racecar for competition. Southern Modified standout Jonathan
“Jon Boy” Brown also took a turn at the wheel of the #1w back in
May, and had nothing but positive things to say about the
opportunity. However, the team would really begin to gel when NASCAR
Modified tour regular, Chuck Hossfeld, joined forces with Wanick
Motorsports late in the 2010 season for the prestigious “King Of The
Mountain” 150-lap event. A solid 6th place finish would
provide the confidence and results that they needed. but more
important, was the relationship forged between the talented Hossfeld
and the Wanick Motorsports team…a relationship that both look to
continue for the 2011 racing season.
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